but today, I felt extremely proud to be a Singaporean! In fact, I just sang our national day song and said our pledge.*beams*I guess it's normal. I know how some people complain about the situations in Singapore all the time,

"A chance conversation occurred between myself and a well spoken old man. He used to work in the UK when he was a young man and came back in the mid 70s.

We talked about travel. Talked about differences. Changes. The growth and state of Singapore. The unhappiness of many locals towards policies, the government, work and immigration.. to leave or to stay here on this red dot? That was the spontaneous debate in motion.

He listened to my "problems and concerns of a 20 something Singaporean" and then he said this to me..

"Times have changed but you're not that different from me when I was in my 20s. Life was hard. Life is still hard. Life will always be hard. But you don't immediately jump ship when the sea gets rough. You and I both know that other ships won't take you in welcoming you with open arms. Singapore's our home. We've come a long way.. we're still far from perfect and there are a lot of things I still wish can be improved. But Singapore is home and family to me.. and you don't abandon family just because you're not happy. We must try to make it better. Your generation must keep on trying to make it better."

I think he just gave me the answer I went around the world hoping to find."

Yes, I am having the intention to work overseas for few years

to experience working in a new environment,

but I know, that if I really execute that plan,

I will prolly only stay there for 3-4 years,

because I want to return to Singapore eventually.

I want to bring whatever I learned overseas, back to Singapore.

I want to share with fellow Singaporeans on how we can improve,

on the different aspects.

Be it work, personal or social.

This country is home to me.

Each time the plane touch down at Changi Airport when I return from my travel,

& when the words "we have landed safely in Singapore" are heard,

I find myself smiling.

Because this is home, truly.

Photo taken by my friend, taken during one of the NDP rehearsals, back in 2011.

Happy 49th Birthday, Singapore!!

I am proud to be a Singaporean, & will always be.

Last but not least, I really look forward to see MM Lee at the NDP again this year. :)